La Crema Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2014

Aromas of blueberry, violet, black tea and cedar. Flavors of cranberry, red cherry and blueberry are complemented by subtle notes of espresso, vanilla and crushed herbs. Plush and richly textured with juicy, yet balanced acidity and integrated toasty barrel spice.

Tart red cherries and plum skins are spiced by nutmeg, pepper and turned earth on this widely available bottling that packs decent Pinot punch for the price. The mix of ripe and tart plays hard on the palate, where red cherry pie toys with cranberry skins, and a dollop of vanilla carries the midpalate.